Want to continue reading?

Become a free BCG Attorney Search Subscriber.

When to Move to a New Firm?

29 Reviews| Average: 3.9 out of 5

What do you think about this article? Rate it using the stars above and let us know what you think in the comments below.

208 views

Question: I have been practicing at the same firm since graduating from law school two years ago and am thinking about lateraling to a new law firm. What time of year is the ideal time to start my job search?

Answer: The optimum time to begin your search is just after Labor Day, when the lateral hiring season commences. During the summer months, law firm staff is focused on their summer associate class and many decision makers are also on vacation. This is not to say that no hiring occurs during the summer; however, it is typically the slowest time of year for lateral hiring, so is not necessarily the best time to begin your job search.

At the end of summer, firm administration is often focused on OCI, or on-campus recruitment of the next year's summer associate class. From there, in September, all attention turns to lateral hiring and this generally remains the focus until the start of the following summer (i.e., for a period of about 9 months).

Keep in mind that, even if you are not looking to make an immediate move, job searches can take a long time. I generally advise my candidates to budget at least 6 to 9 months for their job search. Of course things can happen more quickly, but generally this is the length of time involved in a thorough job search. Factors to consider include current economic conditions and resulting practice area demand, as well as overall fit.

Lastly, by September, many associates want to wait and collect their end of year bonuses before moving to a new law firm. This should not stop you from beginning a job search. As I mentioned above, the hiring process generally takes several months. Even if things do move more quickly than expected, firms are typically willing to let new lateral hires delay their start date until after the New Year. However, there are exceptions, especially if the hiring need is urgent.

"My favorite thing was working with my legal placement professional at BCG. She was very..." Read moreChristopher C.UC Berkeley School of Law, Class Of 2013Placed at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe L.L.P

"My favorite thing about BCG is how proactive they were at getting me any openings that I..." Read moreSeth DoughtyUniversity of Southern California Gould School of Law, Class Of 2015Placed at McDermott Will & Emery

"BCG was very responsive. The recruiter I worked with was candid, which was very helpful...." Read moreDaniel ZwickUniversity of Michigan Law School, Class Of 2014Placed at Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP.

"I liked being able to approve the law firms for application [online]. [Working with BCG]..." Read moreLaura HarperWalter F. George School of Law, Class Of 2007Placed at Summit Law Group

"She was on it and didn't pester too much but stayed in contact. She didn't just communicate via email, she also..." Read moreChristopher RuprechtUniversity of Kansas School of Law, Class Of 2010Placed at Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, L.L.P